In-Flight UAV Load Transfer Using Vertical Docking Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited battery life of aerial vehicles (AVs) restricts their operational range and delivery time, and existing payload exchange methods require complex and time-consuming procedures, necessitating a safe and efficient method for autonomous in-flight load transfer between AVs.

Innovation Solution

The method involves AVs with frames having vertical openings and rotors, where fastening means hold and release loads for transfer between AVs, with control circuits enabling autonomous in-flight operations, including communication and coordinated rotor control for stable load transfer and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a larger battery is used to increase range or operating time, then the operating time is improved, but the weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating timeVSAvoidbattery weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery system into multiple separate batteries that can be independently carried and exchanged between AVs, rather than using one large battery. This allows the total energy capacity to be increased without permanently increasing the weight of each individual AV.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a battery exchange mechanism where depleted batteries are discarded from one AV and replaced with charged batteries from another AV. This allows continuous operation without returning to base for recharging, effectively extending operating time while keeping individual AV weights manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Duration of action of moving object

If a larger battery is used to increase range or operating time, then the operating time is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating timeVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Duration of action of moving object

If the battery is recharged or switched during a stop, then the operating time is improved, but the travel time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating timeVSAvoidtravel time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation by allowing AVs to exchange batteries mid-mission without returning to base. The system maintains uninterrupted operational capability through coordinated battery swaps between AVs during their flight paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses another AV as an intermediary to transfer charged batteries to the AV that needs power. This mediator AV carries spare batteries and performs exchanges in flight, eliminating the need for the primary AV to land or return to base for recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Length of moving object

If payload exchange is performed between multiple AVs, then the range is extended, but the procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverangeVSAvoidswap procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs universal mounting interfaces and standardized battery configurations that work across all AVs in the system. This allows any AV to serve as either a payload carrier or a battery source, simplifying the swap procedure through interchangeable components and roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent requires pre-coordination and planning of battery exchange points and timing before missions begin. AVs are assigned specific roles and exchange locations in advance, which simplifies the actual execution of swaps during flight by eliminating on-the-fly decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12122512B2Method for autonomous in-flight transfer of a load from a first aerial vehicle to a second aerial vehicle, system comprising a first aerial vehicle and a second aerial vehicle, and aerial vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A method for autonomous in-flight transfer of a load from a first Aerial Vehicle, AV, to a second AV is provided. Each of the first AV and the second AV includes a frame with a vertical opening for receiving the load. A plurality of rotors are attached to the frame. The method comprising autonomously performing the following in-flight: fastening means of the first AV hold the load in the vertical opening of the first AV such that a bottom end of the load is accessible by the second AV; the second AV approaches the first AV from below in order to couple a fastening means of the second AV to the bottom end of the load; the fastening means of the first AV releases the load after the fastening means of the second AV couples to the bottom end of the load; and the fastening means of the second AV lower the load with respect to the frame of the second AV in order to move the load into a flight position.